+++ 奇跡国 - Miracle Country +++

[It’s been a long few weeks with the dragons, and as the days pass it’s clear that the Alpha is getting worse and worse despite the dragons’ efforts, and the efforts of those who were willing to help him in the first place. It starts out simple, the Alpha just sleeping more and more, his breathing coming out in wheezing gasps. Then, slowly, the Alpha stops moving so much, hardly reacts to any food or medicine.

But with every passing day the Alpha gets worse, the world around you starts to get worse, in turn. Plants start dying. Water starts drying up. It stays darker for longer. There might have been a few cave-ins towards the back of the tunnels.

It’s finally too much, though, and when the Alpha does die, it lets out one final, earth-shaking roar before it collapses and bursts into a wave of sakura petals. With that, the world around the Alpha dies as well – the bridges collapsing, the caves starting to fold into themselves, the island crumbling into the water as the regular Miracle Country returns to itself.

Be very mindful of where you are, then – because the world is going to change back. Trapped in the caves with the cave-in? You may be there a while. Were you in the reservoir? Then you might find yourself suddenly at the Wings Island. The forests, the top of the Ferris Wheel at the Amusement Park, stuck on the stairs of the lighthouse at the beach – you could appear anywhere. Everyone is scattered around and it’s not likely you’ll be lucky enough to show up in the park or the hotels.

It’ll be difficult to get back, though – because there’s a heavy wind blowing all over the islands today. Reacting to the sudden shift from one world to another, Miracle Country is still trying to adapt, and the wind is strong enough to push you off your feet if you’re not careful. That, and it’s raining sakura petals all over, which might make it difficult to see. There are respites and places to shade yourself from the onslaught – little alcoves, buildings, the forests – but that might mean little when you’re trying to find your friends and family, after all.

The Miracle Country you know and love isn’t completely untouched despite the sudden change, however – while the dragons’ world might have dissolved along with the Alpha, the remnants still appear in certain spots. Some of the dragons survive the sudden switch and now live in the forests. There are a few caves left over within the forest, the path in the first layer leading towards it.

And, most striking, there is a large skeleton deep in the forest – the final resting place for the Alpha Dragon.]

[Days with dragons have hardly made the nights easier – the strange way the dragons’ eyes glow from the shadows, the way the fog rolls in at the night, the sound of far cries from the dragons as they fly just beyond sight, that deep grumbling from the sleeping Alpha Dragon, the way it just steadily grows colder and colder as the night progresses.

This night is no different. It starts with a sunset, blazing and bright, the shadows stretching long and lingering. And once it’s gone, dusk passing, the night creeps in. The fog grows thick and those sounds come again. Dragons rustling, dragons calling, the nocturnal dragons large and difficult to spot – never seen during the day and seeming so strange, perhaps a little less friendly than the ones who come out during the day.

The air grows colder still, so it might be a good idea to collect wood for a large fire, to find a place to stay warm and safe. Or maybe you’re feeling adventurous. Maybe you need water. Maybe you need to find something fun to do, just for the sake of doing it. Maybe you’ve lost your way as the day draws to an end and you’re desperate to get back.]

[Miracle Country has once again changed, the entire island shifting overnight into an archipelago. There’s a scattering of far-flung islands, but you’ll find yourself at the very center of it all – and it’s not just you there. Oh no – this is a world populated by dragons. You’ve found yourself in the Alpha Dragon’s nest. There are dragons that fly, some land dragons, and some dragons that primarily stay in the water – and they are everywhere. There are flocks of dragons everywhere you look. Large dragons, small dragons, nocturnal dragons, diurnal dragons, two-headed dragons, dragons the size of your palm, dragons that breathe fire, ice-breathing dragons, camouflaged dragons, feathered dragons, and baby dragons that just act silly.

What used to be the hotels is now a series of caves - you'll be able to find your old rooms in there, although they're a bit more basic now - no such thing as electronics available (not that you'd need them with nowhere to plug them in), no kitchens, but everything else remains. Clothes, beds, even a small bathroom. The maze-like nature of the caves means the rooms might be a little harder to find this time around, and you could end up choosing to just crash with someone else if it gets too late. They're cold, as well, being inside a giant ice-fortress, so find ways to keep the place warm!

There are also other sorts of rooms, of course, some empty and some with supplies like weapons or staple food, some with a few seats and cushions where you can gather around, build a fire, and risk having a flock of dragons come chill with you a little less, if it happens to bother you. The caves are all rather cold and dark for the most part, and within them are many maze-like turns and corners and passageways, so it’s easy to get lost, especially since many of the caves open up to strange and new locations. Plenty of things to explore – and plenty of ways to be separated from others.

And at the very center of it all is a large structure of ice, that juts up and forms into the shape of a large, winged egg. Within this egg is the dragons’ nest – one corner of this structure has a large sakura tree that the dragons love to sleep in or fly around. At the other end is the Alpha Dragon itself – the largest dragon in creation, white and pink and spending most of its time sleeping. And at the very center of a large expanse of water is a little island with the only source of fresh water – a reservoir. Surrounded by saltwater for miles around, the dragons have no trouble reaching it – but you might.

The best way to travel is by dragons, of course. But for those of you who can’t fly too well, walking isn’t really an option. But don’t worry, there are a series of bridges that fall and crumble and rotate around. You’ll never walk the same bridge twice. They’re reliable enough, so long as they don’t start to move while you’re on them. If you don’t trust the bridges, there’s always the option of climbing through the maze-like caves… but try not to get lost.

Why are the dragons approaching you now? They need your help. The Alpha Dragon is sick – and he’s the reason all the other dragons are here and safe.

You’re here one reason: to help the dragons. There are smaller dragons, but also larger dragons, but don’t worry they’re not as scary as they look. In fact, it’s possible to tame or bond with them. Of course, that’s based on how well you get along with animals, mystical or otherwise, in general – not great with pets? Probably not going to be too great with dragons, either.


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